GROWING preview PUMPS with new self-directed videos
Growing, the experimental Brooklyn-based trio comprised of Joe DeNardo, Kevin Doria, and recently added member Sadie Laska (IUD), have debuted the first installment in a series of six video vignettes previewing select tracks from their forthcoming full-length PUMPS. Premiering yesterday at The Fader, the videos for “Hormone” and “Drone Burger” visualize the songs intensively processed over seven months during 2008 at Brooklyn’s Ocropolis Studio. Both Joe DeNardo and Kevin Doria created 3 videos each, filled with footage recalling a halcyon period of sci-fi cinema in each track. For this bi-weekly pair of videos, DeNardo’s “Drone Burger” touches on concepts of humanity encountering life in space (“Do they listen to Growing when they’re cruising around other planets?”), while Kevin Doria’s effort sends the endless sonic layers of “Hormone” over what he appropriately describes as “a model rocket incident, Hong Kong from the sky, and a lap around Paris on acid.”
Stay tuned for further installments of video vignettes from PUMPS to be issued leading up to the release of the album on April 6th. Culminating with the debut of their full-length video for “Mind Eraser”, all six vignettes will be included and available exclusively with the pre-order release at VICERecords.com.
ACRASSICAUDA ANNOUNCE TRIUMPHANT DEBUT EP ON VICE RECORDS, NEW HEAVY METAL IN BAGHDAD BOOK OUT NOW
ONLY THE DEAD SEE THE END OF THE WAR EP OUT MARCH 9th ON VICE RECORDS, FREE DOWNLOAD FOR “GARDEN OF STONES”
HEAVY METAL IN BAGHDAD: THE STORY OF ACRASSICAUDA BOOK IN STORES NOW ON VICE/MTV BOOKS
For the past six years, VICE has documented the story of Iraqi heavy metal band Acrassicauda in their struggle to stay alive and continue the band while enduring the disintegration of their own country throughout the war.
On March 9th 2010, VICE Records will release their debut EP Only The Dead See The End Of The War, recorded in 2009 following their final relocation to the US. Produced by Alex Skolnick of Testament and mixed by engineer Josh Wilbur (Lamb of God, Hatebreed, System of a Down), Acrassicauda’s four song debut explodes with ferocious war metal.
Also in stores now is the inspirational book, Heavy Metal in Baghdad: The Story of Acrassicauda(VICE/MTV Books). Expanding on the internationally acclaimed, award-winning VBS.TV/VICE Films documentary produced and directed by Suroosh Alvi and Eddy Moretti, VICE editors Andy Capper and Gabi Sifre extensively cover the history of Acrassicauda, beginning at their youth in Iraq and culminating in their eventual relocation to the US in 2008. Featuring never-before-seen photographs, set lists, posters, and flyers, the book tells the real story of life during wartime in Baghdad.
Listen to the free download of “Garden Of Stones” here: [Vice Records]
OK COBRA MAKE VALIANT COME BACK TO RAP WITH DELIRIUM TREMENS
The OK Cobra story is a bit of a lurid one. Though one shouldn’t expect much less from Fritz Tha Cat. The notorious gonzo-rap journalist known as much for his drunken late night escapades as for his musical accolades – namely his highly respectable defunct ‘zine In Search of Divine Styler and his long-running Vice Magazine column (ending in the early 2000’s). Yet, the group OK Cobra is where Fritz finds his true passion. Combined with production partner Recordface – the duo return after a 3-year hiatus with their sophomore follow-up to the acclaimed self-titled debut with URBNET Records – their opus – Delirium Tremens.
Confused by the title? If you’re straight edge you’d most likely be – but the idea is essentially the root of OK’s concept. Delirium is a brand of Belgium beer, but it’s also the medical term for severe alcohol withdrawal – concept that lurks under the surface of much the album. Their debut, a self-proclaimed ‘shot in the dark’ by the group was a strong indie-hip-hop effort, charting extremely well on Canadian radio. The second go around find the duo in completely different realms of creativity. While Recordface has spent the off-time incessantly recording and mixing music for films, Fritz wandered to the edges of his own psyche – and grappled with the repercussions.
Before retreating back to their Montreal studio, a space Fritz would stagger to via plane, train, bus, motorhome or thumb, he’d need to combat a few dangerous liaisons first. A hazy period where he’d romanced his lion share of intoxicants, living out of unpacked boxes, drifting in time, hanging out with Schoolly D and to his own account – maybe getting engaged to a fleeting love interest. All bittersweet fodder that makes for the foundation of Delirium Tremens – like a notepad in the mind of a roaming lush.
Album that musically structures Recordface’s beat-big approach to heavy hip-hop production to Fritz’s booming swagger – a lot of dimensions of their character are covered here. Kind of like the phases of an addict, passing thru a range of emotions. Downtrodden to crazy-happy, contemplative and curious to straight confrontational. At 14 songs deep, this is the group’s life story. Two kids from London, Ontario – surrounded by the inspiration of Megadeth to MF Doom, NWA to 900 Ft. Jesus. On the surface a return to their craft, when explored further – a serious letter from the dark side to green pastures.
Tour Dates: OK Cobra + The Leathers Cross Canada Tour
Oct 07: The Underdog – Peterborough ON
Oct 08: Babylon – Ottawa, ON
Oct 09: Loft Party – Montreal, QC
Oct 11: The Paramount – Moncton, NB
Oct 12: Gus’ Pub – Halifax NS
Oct 21: The Bar – Marathon ON
Oct 22: Jack’s – Thunder Bay ON
Oct 27: Ottoman Lounge – Medicine Hat, AB
Oct 28: Henotic Restaurant – Lethbridge, AB
Oct 29: Likwid Lounge – Edmonton, AB
Oct 31: The Warehouse – Calgary AB
Nov 04: Voodoo’s – Penticton, BC
Nov 09: The Modern – Vancouver BC
Nov 10: Lucky Bar – Victoria BC
Nov 12: The Media Club – Vancouver BC